Swiss Cheese Plants

It's no wonder if this plant makes you think of more exotic climes. The Swiss Cheese Plant is a climbing plant, and in its natural surroundings in the rainforest, it grows up and around the other trees and can grow really big.

The Swiss Cheese plant is characterised by its large and beautiful leaves that have holes, as one knows it from the Swiss cheese - hence the nickname.

Since it is a climber by nature, a good way to keep the plant from growing in all directions is to support it with sticks as it grows into a larger size.

 

Variants

Monstera Deliciosa

This variant is the oldest kind, also known as the Fingerphilodendron. It grows slowly and only gets holes in the leaves when they reach more than 20 cm in diameter.

Philodendron Minima

This plant is a newer variant that grows faster and has more leaves compared to the length of the stems. This is also called the 'Mini Monstera' because it is very similar to Monstera. However it is not a Monstera, but it is in the same family, namely the Araceae family. This type is also known as Phaphidophor tetrasperma. 

Care

Swiss Cheese is a quite easy and thankful plant to care for, therefore it lends itself well to most homes. If you don't have a green thumb, this is a good plant for beginners.

Watering: Considering that the Swiss Cheese Plant origins from a tropical climate, it is actually not a demanding plant in relation to water. When the top layer of the soil (1-2 cm) is dry, you need to water. During the summer, you should check the plants soil a few times a week, while during the colder periods you can check it once a week. Overwatering is the Swiss Cheese Plants worst nightmare – the roots cannot breathe if it is constantly under water and will therefore start to rot. A good little rule when it comes to watering your Swiss Cheese Plant; When in doubt, leave it without.

Location: Your Swiss Cheese plant will thrive in most places. You should try not to place it in direct sun, nor in the darkest corner - anywhere in between these places are just fine.

Temperature: The plant thrives at room temperatures of 15-30°C.

Extra pampering

As previously mentioned, is Swiss Cheese a relatively easy plant to care for and have success with. It does not mean, however, that it will not enjoy, if you care a little extra for it every now and then.

Dust: As the leaves of the Swiss Cheese plant have a fairly large surface, dust can set on them. Use a soft, damp cloth and avoid rubbing on the leaves. You can also choose to spray your plant with water to increase the humidity around it at the same time - it will also alleviate some of the problems with dust on the plant.

A little shower: A Swiss Cheese plant actually likes a shower once in a while. It increases the humidity around the plant and reminds it of the tropical climate it originally comes from. You don’t have to shower your plant, but it would really love it if you put it on the garden table or balcony on a day with warm summer rain. In case of no rain, you can also treat it with a shower in your bathroom or you can simply give it a "on the spot shower" with an spray bottle.

Fertilizer: During the hot period from about April to August/September, the Swiss Cheese plant likes to get fertilizer once in a while. It will boost its growth, so if you want your Swiss Cheese plant to grow more wild and explosive, fertilizer is a good trick. During the winter period, however, do not give your plant fertilizer.